Plus the addition of Tommy Kelley beside Wilfork I think will be pretty big improvement from last year. Chandler Jones is looking ready to make "the leap" and Ninkovich is quietly a pass rushing machine. Lots of hustle, real lunch pail kind of player

Sack leader on the team and probably had three late game winning/game-sealing, plays. Without clutch plays from him we probably lose that Jets OT game and the Broncos game too. His pass-rushing abilities are definitely overstated by pats homers but he's an axtremely important part of the defense and a solid player. As the fourth best on the line with Kelly taking over as three he's anything but a liability, very solid in fact. Athletically? Somewhat overrated, but as a good player who shows up in big situations? To me that can't be overstated.

So why not put one of the more athletic young guys in if literally anyone can do it? I already said his pass rush is overrated by some homers; he does a lot more things than just rush, all of which make him a very good player on the end.

Ok as someone who doesn't understand defensive ends don't exclusively pass rush, all that film you watch might be a little misleading. His assignments aren't exclusively "go get the QB" he drops into coverage at times, sets the edge at times, spies too. "all that other shit he does" actually does matter because it's what Bill wants him to do in the defensive scheme. And he does those things pretty well, making him a solid defensive end.